Saturday, June 9, 2018

10 Abu Sayyaf bandits in Basilan surrender, yield high-powered guns

Ten Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members in Basilan on Friday surrendered and turned over their high-powered firearms to the military.

A press release from the Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) on Saturday said that Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Bobong Mastul alias "Bobong" and nine of his followers turned over their firearms to the 64th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Sumisip, Basilan.

Pressure from the intensified military campaign against lawless elements in the province supposedly forced the ASG members to surrender.

Also, the press release quoted Brigadier General Juvymax Uy, commander of the Joint Task Force Basilan, as saying that "Combined efforts of government troops and local government officials resulted in the surrender of the bandits."

Surrendered firearms by Mastul's group include three M16 rifles, one M79 grenade launcher, an Ingram sub-machine pistol, a 5.56mm carbine, an M1 Garand rifle and various magazines, ammunition, and assorted communication equipment.

"We welcome all those who wish to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law," WesMinCom commanded Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega was quoted in the press release as saying.